The local youth roller hockey league recently got off to an explosive start.
Saturday 5 April saw the first games of the 2008 WestTel Youth Roller Hockey League. Games were played at 1pm and 2pm at the Kings Sports Centre.
A large crowd packed the spectator area as they witnessed all four of the league teams in action. Game one saw the KPMG Senators take on the Appleby Sharks while game two featured the Five Continents Leafs up against the Citco Canadiens.
Teams were adorned in complete hockey gear and jerseys that imitated their NHL counterparts. The youngsters, mostly between the ages of five and eight, glided on the rubberized floor in bright-coloured roller blades.
The first game was a close encounter. Senators notched the win with key goals from Joe Purton (2) along with Harry Kinch and Ryan Lloyd (one each). Sharks stayed in it to the end thanks to goals from Jack Lewis, Matt Somerville and Abby Stewart.
The game also saw its first penalty of the season. Jacob Whewell of the Sharks was called for tripping and received two minutes in the pine box.
The Sharks and Senators are coming of great seasons last year. Senators were one of the top teams in the league while the Sharks were the league champions.
The second game of the day pitted last year’s runner-up Leafs against one of the better regular season teams in the Canadiens. From the get-go, it was obvious the Canadiens came to play.
Throughout the game, Canadiens were physical and aggressive. Players hustled for every loose puck and fought hard along the corners. As a result, the team was able to enjoy a barrage of breakaways and shots on goal.
Meanwhile the Leafs seemed out of it. Whether it was nerves or rust, their players kept getting outworked. Consequently, it was near impossible to penetrate the defense.
The game saw lots of checking and goals. Offense was all the rage on the day with many players getting good looks on goal. Both coaches kept tight shifts and stressed passing throughout.
In the end, the coordinated attacking force that was the Canadiens was simply too much. The final score was Canadiens 9 and Leafs 0.
Ben Black was in great form as he led all scorers with five goals. Team-mate Leon Domladis contributed a hat-trick with three goals of his own. Goalie Dylan Windsor received player of the week honours for his shutout performance.
Ray Singh, Athletic Director at Kings Sports Centre said the games were a solid start to the season.
‘We had an exciting and slightly hectic opening weekend for the league. All in all, it was a great start to our second season.’
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